Linecasting machines



( J1me 1961 P. HILPMAN ET AL 2,987,171

LINECASTING MACHINES Filed Sept. 2, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 54 INVENTORS PAUL H/LPMAN ADAMS 7? R105 BY Lmov E ALBERT /IMA M ATTORNEY June 6, .1961 P. HILPMAN ETAL LINECASTING MACHINES 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 2, 1959 INVENTORS PAUL HILPMAN ADAMS T. R/cE BY LEROY ALBERT ATTORNEY 2,987,171 LINECASTING MACHINES Paul Hilpman, Garden City, Adams T. Rice, Staten Island, and Leroy F. Albert, Brooklyn, N.Y., assignors to Mergenthaler Linotype Company, a corporation of New York Filed Sept. 2, 1959, Ser. No. 837,629 8 Claims. (Cl. 19959) This invention relates to typographical casting machines of the general organization represented in United States Letters Patent No. 436,532, wherein type bars or slugs are cast in a slotted mold and then ejected therefrom between a pair of trimming knives which insure the parallelism of their opposite side faces and bring them to the exact thickness required. One of these knives is fixed and the other adjustable in order that the distance between the two may be varied at will to accommodate slugs of different thickness.

In the more conventional type of Work, an adjustment of the knives is only required when changing from one mold to another to produce slugs of different thickness, but in display work (such as chain or department store advertising, Where type faces ranging in size say, from 6 point to 18 point or from 18 point to 36 point are cast from the same mold on slugs formed with and without overhang type-bearing portions), an adjustment of the knives is much more frequently required. For example, several columns of slug units may have to be cast, each unit comprising two slugs of the same body size to be used conjunctively for a single advertising item, one slug being cast with and the other without the overhang portions, and the latter slug being adapted when the unit is assembled to fit against its component and give support to the overhang portions thereof. In carrying out this particular class of work in one machine, the knives have to be adjusted and readjusted for every slug unit produced, that is to say, first one setting to accommodate the type-bearing slug with the overhang, then to another setting to trim the side faces of the other or non-overhang slug, and so on alternately until the job is finished, it being understood that while the slugs with the type-bearing overhang are not trimmed, nevertheless they have to be guided and sustained by the knives as they are pushed between them on their way to the galley.

Apparatus has been provided in the past to permit the adjustments and readjustments of the movable knife under the conditions above stated to be instantly effected without disturbing the fixed setting of the adjustable knife and with a minimum of physical effort and attention on the part of the operator. Such an apparatus is disclosed in United States Letters Patent 2,347,787.

In recent years it has become quite common to operate linecasting machines under the control of a coded tape. While such operation generally has been limited to the casting of conventional slugs without a type-bearing overhang, it is now desired to make such automatically operated machines suitable for the casting of display slugs. Therefore, it becomes desirable to effect operation of the knife block, as above described, in response to signals in the coded control tape. Moreover, the mechanism provided to effect tape controlled operation of the machine is readily adapted to push button operation when the machine is being run manually by an operator.

In carrying out the present invention, there is provided means for storing a knife block open signal in a first information storage stage which corresponds to the line on the composing station or assembling elevator, separate means being provided depending on whether the composition is being effected manually or automatically, means effective upon raising of the assembling elevator ice for transferring the signal to a second information storage stage which corresponds to the line in delivery or waiting line position, and means effective upon return of the delivery lever to its normal position, which occurs when the line is carried in the first elevator to the casting position, for transferring the signal to the knife block proper. Means are also provided whereby when the machine is under manual control a knife block open signal can be sent to the first information storage stage upon depres sion of a push button, after which the signal is transferred to successive storage stages as the line itself is transferred through the machine until such time as the signal operates the knife block as the associated slug is ejected therethrough.

Features and advantages of this invention will be gained from the foregoing and from a description of a preferred embodiment thereof which follows.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmental front elevation of a linecasting machine showing the path followed by the line of matrices from assembly to casting;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevation partly in section of the mechanism that operates the knife block.

FIGURE 3 is a front elevation partly in section of the mechanism of FIGURE 2; and

FIGURE 4 is a schematic circuit diagram of the control circuits employed in the present invention.

In the regular operation of a typographical line casting machine, the character bearing matrices and expansible spacebands are composed in line and ultimately delivered to a vertically movable transporter or first elevator which descends to position the line between a left hand vise jaw and a right hand vise jaw and in front of a slotted mold, which latter then advancs into contact with the line and the two clamping jaws for the slug casting operation.

After the slug has been cast, the line of matrices is raised by the first elevator to an upper transfer level, and the line removed therefrom preparatory to the separation of the matrices and spacebands and their return to individual storage magazines. The first elevator then is lowered to its intermediate level or line receiving position just before the machine cycle is completed.

When the line of matrices is raised to the upper transfer level, the mold wheel carrying the cast slug is rotated to carry the slug to an ejection station wherein the slug is positioned before an ejector mechanism which operates to force the slug from the mold and between the trimming knives of the knife block into the slug galley. As noted above, if the slug has a type bearing overhang the knife block is opened as by the movable knife being translated away from the fixed knife just enough so that the slug is guided therethrough but no trimming operation takes place. On the other hand, if the slug is the more conventional type with no overhanging portions then the movable knife remains in its set or adjusted position and a trimming operation on both sides of the slug occurs as it is ejected to the galley.

Now, referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a line casting machine equipped to provide operation of the knife block in accordance with the aforementioned features of the present invention. During operation of the machine, matrices are released from their storage magazines 19 and spacebands are released from the spaceband box 20 under the control of manually operated keyboard 21 or of a Teletypesetter operating unit 22, if the machine is automatically operated from a coded control tape, the matrices being composed in line in assembling elevator 23. After a complete line is assembled in elevator 23, the operator depresses handle 24 to raise the elevator and bring the line of matrices and spacebands to the delivery slide position 25. Of course, if the machine is being operated from a control tape, the elevator is raised in response to an elevate signal on the tape. The downward movement of handle 24 pivots rock shaft 26 and causes abutment arm 27, which is keyed thereto, to strike an operating plunger 30 of the mechanically actuated switch 31, and thereby engage the switch contacts. As will be seen later, engagement of the switch contacts acts to transfer information from the knife block signal push button 32 or a Teletypesetter bail switch to a succeeding information storage stage corresponding to the advanced position of the composed line. Raising of the elevator itself is effected by lever connection 33.

In accordance with normal machine operation, the composed line, after reaching delivery position, is transferred to the first elevator 34. In the event that the elevator is not in position to receive the line of matrices and spacebands, the line is held in a waiting line position until the elevator returns to line receiving position, at which time the line is delivered thereto. This line delivery movement immediately initiates rotation of the main cam shaft which carries the composed line down to the casting position between the vise jaws 35. Ascent and descent of the first elevator 34 is effected by the first elevator cam. The final movement of the delivery lever to carry the line of matrices into the first elevator actuates switch 36 (see FIG. 2) the contacts of which operate to transfer the information stored in the information stage corresponding to the line in delivery position directly to the knife block apparatus. When the delivery lever returns to its normal position to bring the delivery carriage into position to receive a line of matrices from the assembling elevator, the normally closed contacts of switch 37 are opened to reset the control circuitry for succeeding operations. This will be described more fully hereinafter when the control circuitry is described.

After the slug is cast, the first elevator carries the line of matrices and spacebands to the upper transfer position where they are shifted to the intermediate channel. As the line is moved into the channel the matrices are engaged by the second elevator bar preparatory to being carried to the distributor mechanism under control of the second elevator cam. When the matrices are lifted free of the intermediate channel, the spacebands are re turned to the spaceband box while the matrices are returned by the distributor mechanism to their storage magazines.

While the line of matrices and spacebands are being returned to their storage positions, the cast slug is carried by mold disk 38 to the slug ejecting position Where it is acted upon by the ejector which pushes it through the knife block 40 to the slug galley 41. The knife block will be either in closed or open position depending on the signal which is transferred thereto, which in turn is dependent on Whether or not the slug passing therethrough has a type-bearing overhang position. As heretofore noted, details of the knife block construction may be found in Patent No. 2,347,787. With the production of the slug, the operation cycle is completed and the machine is ready for the casting of succeeding slugs. Of course, if two successive slugs are cast with type-bearing overhang portions, the knife block need not be closed after ejection of the first of the two slugs and then re-opened for the passage of the second slug, but rather, the knife block may remain open until a slug without a type-bearing overhang is to be ejected and trimmed, at which time the knife block will be closed to its set or adjusted position.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2 and 3 for a description of the mechanical apparatus utilized for effecting an opening of the knife block in response to a knife block open signal. Lever 42 which corresponds to the arm J of aforementioned Patent No. 2,347,787 is provided with a projecting extension 43 which is disposed between the pins 44 and 45. secured to the vertical push rod 46. With the arm in the position shown in full lines the knife block is closed whereas when it is in the position shown in dotted lines the kife block is open.

The upper end of rod 46 is journaled for sliding movement in bracket 47 secured to the frame of the linecasting machine while the lower end thereof is slideably guided by roller 4) mounted within housing 50. The extreme lower end of the push rod is provided with a rack 51 which is engaged by a pinion 52 rotated by gear motor 53. As the gear motor rotates in one direction to drive rod 46 upwardly, arm 42 is pivoted counterclockwise to open the knife block. On the other hand, when gear motor 53 rotates in the opposite direction, arm 42 is pivoted clockwise to return the knife block to its adjusted position. A pair of limit switches 54 and 55 are provided to limit the upward and downward movement of the push rod. They are actuated by a contact screw 56 provided on rod 46.

Also mounted within housing 50 are control switches 36 and 37 which are actuated by the contact collar 62 provided on the vertically movable rod 63. The rod is eccentrically mounted on the hub of the delivery lever 64 that is pivoted by the rock shaft 65. The arrangement is such that switch 36 having normally open contacts is actuated when the line delivery carriage enters the first elevator jaw and banks against its stop. Switch 37 which is provided with normally closed contacts is actuated when the delivery lever is returned to its normal position awaiting a line from theassembling elevator.

The operation of the apparatus will be described in conjunction with FIG. 4 which is a schematic circuit diagram for the present invention.

It will first be assumed that a knife block open signal is to be entered for a line and that there was no such signal for the proceding line. The signal normally will be entered after the line is composed but as will be evident from the circuit diagram the signal may be entered at any time during composition of the line.

The signal will be entered as by the Teletypesetter bail switch 7 0 or the push button switch 32 being closed, depending on whether the linecasting machine is being operated automatically or manually. Closing of either of these two switches, which are connected in parallel, completes a circuit for relay coil A. Energiz-ation of coil A causes relay contacts A1 and- A2 to engage, contacts A1 completing a self holding circuit for coil A through normally closed contact 71 of switch 31. Switch 3-1 is operated as the assembly elevator ascends and the common contact 72 makes contact with contact 73 before separating from contact 71.

When the assembly elevator is raised either by action of the Teletypesetter unit or manually, contact 72 engages contact 73 and a circuit is completed for relay coil B through contacts A2. This results in the engagement of contacts B1 and B2 and the separation of contacts B3. Contacts B1 complete a self holding circuit for coil B through the normally closed contacts. The separation of contacts 71 and 72 resulted in the deenergization of coil A and the return to normal of the contacts associated therewith. It is thus clear that as the line of matrices is carried into the delivery carriage from the assembling elevator, the signal representing a knife block open operation is transferred from relay A (the first information storage stage) to relay B (the second information storage stage).

When the line is free to move into the first elevator, switch 36 is actuated when the delivery lever reaches the end of its fully advanced position. This of course represents delivery of the line of matrices into the first elevator. As a result thereof, a circuit is completed through contacts B2, 36, relay C and resistor 74. Energization of relay coil C causes the engagement of contacts C1 which complete a self holding circuit for coil C. Also, contacts C2 engage and contacts C3 separate.

The engagement of contacts C2 completes a circuit through the engaged contacts of the upper limit switch 55 to energize motor 53. The motor will now operate,

allowing the pinion 52 on the output shaft to drive rack 51 upwardly. The upward movement of push rod 46 rotates the knife block lever 42 counterclockwise (FIG. 2) causing the knife block to start opening. The knife block will be fully open by the time the slug is cast and ejected from the mold.

The upward movement of push rod 46 continues until limit switch 55 is actuated to separate its contacts, at which time the contacts of limit switch 54 are engaged. The contacts of switch 54 do not complete a circuit to reverse the drive of motor inasmuch as contacts C3 are separated. Therefore, the knife block remains in its open position so long as relay coil C remains energized.

After the delivery lever has carried the line of matrices into the first elevator to initiate operation of motor 53 and opening of the knife block as above described, the delivery lever is returned to its normal position to await receipt of a line of matrices from the assembling elevator. The return movement of the lever causes the contacts of switch 36 to be opened and the normally closed contacts of switch 37 to be opened. The latter interrupts the self holding circuit for coil B. Consequently, at the completion of a cycle of operations attendant on opening of the knife block, the relay coils A and B are deenergized, but relay coil C remains energized.

If we now assume that the next succeeding line is also accompanied by a knife block open signal, it is clear that relay coils A and-B will be energized as above described. The circuits will also be completed to energize coil C, but as noted, coil C was not deenergized in the interim, having remained energized by virtue of the self holding circuit completed by contacts C1. The energization of coil C and the resultant separation of contacts C3 prevents the driving of motor 53 in a direction to lower push rod 46 downwardly and thereby close the knife block. Thus it is apparent that there is no need to open and close the knife block for every line so long as successive lines represent slugs with type-bearing overhang portions. In such cases, the knife block remains open.

On the other hand, if we assume that a line succeeding one for which the knife block was opened, is a line representing a slug without a type-bearing overhang which must, therefore, be trimmed in the knife block, then means must be provided to close the knife block. In the present invention this is accomplished automatically without the need for a signal to close the knife block.

As before, relay coil C is energized through contacts C1. Now since there will be no knife block open signal, relay coils A and B will remain deenergized. Therefore, contacts B3. which are normally engaged, remain engaged. Consequently when the delivery lever moves the line into the first elevator and closes the contacts 36 a circuit is completed through contacts C1, 36 and B3 to short circuit coil C and thereby deenergize the coil and restore the contacts associated therewith to normal position. The resultant engagement of contacts C3 completes a circuit through the engaged contacts of lower limit switch 54 to motor 53. The connection is such that the motor rotates in the opposite direction to pull rod 46 downwardly and close the knife block. It is thus obvious that the absence of a knife block open signal is effective to close the knife block from a previously opened position.

It is expected that many variations and apparently widely different embodiments of this invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the foregoing specification and drawings be interpreted as illustrative rather than in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. In or for a linecasting machine having a knife block which is adapted to be adjusted to a first condition wherein slugs are trimmed and to be adjusted to a second condition wherein slugs with typebearing overhang portions can pass therethrough, means operable when a line of matrices are assembled in the assembly station to store a knife block open signal, means operable when said line of matrices are transferred from said assembling station to a delivery station to transfer said signal to a second storage stage, and means operable when the line of matrices is delivered to the first elevator to transfer a signal to said knife block actuating mechanism which thereupon actuates said knife block to a predetermined operating position according to the signal received.

2. In or for a tape controlled linecasting machine having a knife block which is adapted to be adjusted to a first condition wherein slugs are trimmed and to be adjusted to a second condition wherein slugs with typebearing overhang portions can pass therethrough, means operable in response to a decoded knife block open signal in a control tape to store said signal, means operable in response to the raising of the assembling elevator to transfer said signal to a second storage stage, and means operable when the line of matrices is delivered to the first elevator to actuate said knife block and cause it to open.

3. In or for a tape controlled linecasting machine having a knife block which is adapted to be adjusted to a first condition wherein slugs are trimmed and to be adjusted to a second condition wherein slugs with typebearing overhang portions can pass therethrough, means operable in response to a decoded knife block open signal in a control tape to store said signal, means operable in response to the raising of the assembly elevator to transfer said signal to a second storage stage, means operable when the line of matrices is delivered to the first elevator to actuate said knife block to an open position, and means to cause said knife block to remain open provided the next succeeding line is accompanied by a knife block open signal.

4. In or for a tape controlled linecasting machine having a knife block which is adapted to be adjusted to a first condition wherein slugs are trimmed and to be adjusted to a second condition wherein slugs with type-bearing overhang portions can pass therethrough, means operable in response to a decoded knife block open signal in a control tape to store said signal, means operable in response to the raising of the assembly elevator to transfer said signal to a second storage stage, means operable when the line of matrices is delivered to the first elevator to actuate said knife block to an open position, and means to cause said knife block to close provided the next succeeding line is not accompanied by a knife block open signal.

5. In a linecasting machine, a quick opening knife block adapted to be opened for the passage of slugs having type-bearing overhang portions, power means for actuating said knife block between an open condition wherein slugs having type-bearing overhang portions can pass therethrough and a closed condition wherein slugs passing therethrough are trimmed, means for associating a knife block open signal with a composed line of matrices in the assembler of the linecasting machine, means for maintaining said signal in association with said composed line as said line is transferred from the assembler to the first elevator of the linecasting machine whereupon said signal is operative to energize said power means to actuate said knife block.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5 including a first storage means for storing a knife block open signal received from an automatic control unit, means responsive to the transfer of a line from an assembly station to a delivery station for transferring the stored signal from said first storage means to a second storage means, means responsive to the transfer of the line of matrices from the delivery station to the first elevator for transferring the signal stored in said second storage means to the knife block operating means whereby the knife block is opened.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6 including means for maintaining said knife block open so that in the event the next succeeding slug to be cast is one with a type-bearing overhang portion the knife block need not be closed and then re-opened.

8. An apparatus according to claim 6 including means for automatically closing the knife block after it had been opened, provided that the next succeeding slug to be cast is one that is to be trimmed.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

